John Paul 'Bucky' Pizzarelli better known as just Bucky Pizzarelli was a great classical Jazz guitarist. His is a family of musicians with his three children John, Martin and Mary also being professional musicians as also his uncles Pete and Bobby. While Martin was a bassist, Mary was a classical guitarist.
During his childhood days, Bucky Pizzarelli learnt playing the Banjo and guitar. He is one of the few guitarists who served the Army during World War II during which he played in an unauthorized Band. Bucky began his career in 1943 by joining Vaughn Monroe group. Though Bucky Pizzarelli had to dis-associate from this band for some time during the World War II, he later re-joined this group only to play for 5 more years. Bucky Pizzarelli, later in 1954, went on to join the Doc Severinsen Band on the “Tonight Show”.
From 1956 to 1957, Bucky Pizzarelli played with the “The Three Sounds” group. Bucky Pizzarelli toured many times with Benny Goodman. Later in 1970, he started performing for the musicians of the 1930’s era as a mark of tribute to them. He had the honor of performing in the “White House” in Washington with Benny Goodman and later peformed twice for President Ronald Reagon and once for President Bill Clinton. In 1985, Bucky Pizzarelli played at the “Jersey Jazz Guitars” concert held at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.
In June 2002, Bucky Pizzarelli was presented with the “Lifetime Achievement Award”. Later in June 2005, he was inducted into the Jazz Wall of Fame.